She's graced the cover of US Vogue twice as well as international editions and has been in the campaigns of Dolce & Gabanna, Louis Vuitton, and Tommy Hilfiger. Two kids and two years later, supermodel Liya Kebede has been able to bring jobs to her people in Ethiopia through her successful clothing line, Lemlem. Lemlem, which means "bloom", started off as a line for kids and has now branched into women's clothing as well. The pieces are inspired by the culture of Ethiopia and are rich in ethnic patterns and earthy tones. Through traditional form, the cotton for the designs are spun by the women and woven by the men, making each piece original and unique. "This is my little way of trying to support their creative talent, by bringing them to the Western market where they can showcase their talent. It’s also so the Western market can experience something beautiful from a different world. So it sort of helps both worlds," Kebede told Tammy La Gorce of Babble.com To experience this beauty from a different part of the world is very refreshing. There is something incredibly intriguing about wearing something made by not just human hands, but by the hands of someone who can appreciate the beauty they are putting into their work; someone who takes pride in their work. My Favorite piece from her collection is the tunic she's wearing in the photo to the right. 
It's simple enough to throw on with some summer sandals and light jewelry to wear during the day or night. Yet it makes a statement without trying too hard; its a juxtaposition of being simple and bold. Contrast it to the Tie-dye pieces by Proenza Schouler, those are completely in your face - they scream, "Look at me!" But Lemlem's are saying "Hey look at me, I'm different and completely unique from what you've ever seen." What makes it even better is the good this line is doing for the people of Ethiopia. "We're employing them so they can be self-sufficient, so they can send their children to school or rise from poverty," said Kebede. (Florence Kane, Vogue) Her work is admirable - her designs are excellent; Liya Kebede has definitely proved that when comes to making an impact, she is much more than a pretty face.
It's simple enough to throw on with some summer sandals and light jewelry to wear during the day or night. Yet it makes a statement without trying too hard; its a juxtaposition of being simple and bold. Contrast it to the Tie-dye pieces by Proenza Schouler, those are completely in your face - they scream, "Look at me!" But Lemlem's are saying "Hey look at me, I'm different and completely unique from what you've ever seen." What makes it even better is the good this line is doing for the people of Ethiopia. "We're employing them so they can be self-sufficient, so they can send their children to school or rise from poverty," said Kebede. (Florence Kane, Vogue) Her work is admirable - her designs are excellent; Liya Kebede has definitely proved that when comes to making an impact, she is much more than a pretty face.xoxo Miss Honeybun
photo by Patrick Demarchelier
original article: "Style Ethics" by Florence Kane. June Vogue 2010, pg. 98
other link: http://www.babble.com/Liya-Kebede-The-supermodel-mom-on-her-charitable-new-clothing-line/
original article: "Style Ethics" by Florence Kane. June Vogue 2010, pg. 98
other link: http://www.babble.com/Liya-Kebede-The-supermodel-mom-on-her-charitable-new-clothing-line/
